From:
Sukie Crandall
Date: 2001-08-29 22:55:00 UTC
Subject: Re; Itchy ferret
Alisa Hinton wrote:
I also have an itchy ferret (5 year old male). He has had some mast type
cell tumors on his face and one on his back lately. His skin looks reddish
in patches. I started washing him again with a special sulfur based shampoo
the vet gave me that has helped in the past. He was checked for adrenal
propblems several months ago by two different vets and neither felt
anything. He has no hair loss. What are other possible causes for
itchiness besides adrenal problems?
Alisa
--------------------
I reply:
Alisa, mast cells produce histamine, that compound that causes, among
other symptoms, itching. As a result mast cell tumors can, in and of
themselves, cause itching. (When we used to give one with seasonal
allergies her antihistamine she would also get some relief from any
mast cell tumors she had at the time.)
Don't count on finding an adrenal growth by feel. As several vets
here have pointed out there can be small ones chugging out estrogen
big time, too.